Del Mar Council supports dog-free zone in Powerhouse Park

DEL MAR  A section of Powerhouse Park, including the playground, could soon be dog-free now that the City Council has said it supports a plan to create an area for children to play and people to walk barefoot.

The Del Mar City Council said Monday that it supports the plan, which would forbid pooches from the “tot lot” and a grassy area just north of it. The council members asked city officials to come back with a draft resolution.

The restriction wouldn’t affect the walkways surrounding the two areas.

The proposal came from resident Rick Ehrenfeld, who said Monday that he is worried about people catching diseases from droppings irresponsible dog owners leave behind or from fecal residue.

“Grass that kids play on should not be the same grass that dogs poop on,” he said.

Ehrenfeld was the only community member to speak about the recommendation at Monday’s meeting.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Committee recommended the council approve the proposal and add signs to let people know about the change. It will cost less than $300 to purchase and install the signs, city officials estimated.

Dogs now are allowed throughout the park as long as they’re on leashes.

Mayor Terry Sinnott said he thinks the signs alerting people to the new rules should be lighthearted.